The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for people interested in serving on the Oversight Committee which will develop the regulations necessary to implement the Agricultural Certainty Program.

The program,

which MDA will develop in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, will allow farmers who voluntarily implement advanced best management practices (BMPs) to conduct their business without additional regulations for ten years. After ten years, however, farmers will have to be in full compliance with all regulations in effect at that time. The intention of the program is to help speed up Bay Restoration efforts by encouraging farmers to more quickly implement BMPs while providing them with a predictable regulatory environment.

Governor O’Malley signed the Maryland Agricultural Certainty Bill (SB 1029) on Thursday, May 2.

Members of the Oversight Committee will be selected by Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. In addition to the eight members who will be selected to represent agriculture and environmental interests, the committee will include representatives of state and federal regulatory and technical agencies, along with perspectives from soil conservation districts, academia, and the Maryland General Assembly.

Those interested in being on the committee should have a strong background in agricultural and/or environmental issues. Resumes must be received by June 1. Committee members will not be compensated.

Visit MDA’s website for more information on the Agricultural Certainty Program.